New Zealand Quest

Day 1: Auckland – Waitomo – Rotorua
Travel south through lush Waikato farmland, past Hamilton, to Waitomo Caves for a boat ride under a galaxy of glow-worms. Continue east to Rotorua, steeped in Maori culture and history. We recommend you attend a Maori hangi (feast) and concert tonight. Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 2: At Rotorua (Hobbiton)
This morning – see roaring geysers and boiling mud pools at the thermal area, tame trout at the springs and performing sheep and dogs at the Agrodome. This afternoon journey to Matamata, set amongst the rich, rolling countryside which was the location and background for the Shire, home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. Visit the site of Hobbiton, where some remnants of the ‘Hobbit Holes’ are still present.

Day 3: Rotorua - Tongariro National Park
Travel from Rotorua to the Tongariro National Park - in the movies this volcanic landscape became Emyn Muil, the black land of Mordor and Mt Doom itself. Stay 2 nights at Mt Ruapehu.

Day 4: In the Tongariro National Park
Today is at leisure to explore the harsh volcanic landscape used to evoke the bleak surroundings of the climatic end to Sam and Frodo’s epic quest. We recommend a full day guided walk of The Tongariro Crossing, often described as the best one-day walk in New Zealand. (Reasonable fitness level required.)

Day 5: Tongariro National Park - Wellington.
Travel on the Overlander train from National Park to Wellington, the capital city and home to many of the trilogy actors during filming. Peter Jackson continues to produce feature films from his studio – Three Foot Six.

Day 6: At Wellington
Today join a tour that will take you to some of the scenic highlights of the Wellington region, including wine tasting at a Wairarapa vineyard and the wild coast of Palliser Bay. Featured filming sites include: the Hobbits hiding place, the river Anduin, Mirkwood and Helms Deep. Lunch is included.

Day 7: Wellington - Picton - Nelson
Travel by Interislander ferry, from Wellington across Cook Straight and through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Continue your journey by road to Nelson. Artisans and craftspeople from Nelson provided a number of items for the film trilogy, including the ‘Ring’ itself, and the beer drunk by partying Hobbits. Stay 2 nights in Nelson.

Day 8: Nelson – Abel Tasman National Park - Nelson
Today we have included a full day excursion by coach and cruise that takes in the spectacular scenery bounded by the Abel Tasman and Kahurangi National Parks, which provided filming sites . You will have the opportunity to walk amongst the native bush or swim from golden beaches during the cruise departing from Kaiteriteri. Alternatively you may wish to upgrade (at extra cost) to a 2 hour tour by helicopter that will take you to the otherwise inaccessible sites of Dimrill Dale, Chetwood Forest, and Eregion Hills. (Includes a landing at Dimrill Dale –weather permitting)

Day 9: Nelson - Greymouth - Christchurch
Travel south down the rugged and spectacular West Coast to Greymouth. Board the famous TranzAlpine train for an awesome journey through Arthur’s Pass, traversing the Southern Alps. Cross the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, known as the ‘Garden City’. Stay 2 nights in Christchurch.

Day 10: At Christchurch
Today join a guided tour to Mt Sunday, the location of Mt Edoras. Enjoy the 360 degree views while standing on the site where the city was built, located on Mt Potts Station. A picnic lunch is provided before your return to Christchurch.

Day 11: Christchurch - Dunedin
Travel south across the Canterbury Plains through seaside Timaru, and historic Oamaru to Dunedin – "the Edinburgh of the South". Arrive early afternoon. Overnight in Dunedin.

Day 12: Dunedin - Te Anau
This morning is free for optional tours. Continue across the rolling hill country of South Otago and Southland. After the farming community of Gore, head across the Waimea plains towards Fiordland. Overnight in Te Anau.

Day 13: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Pass through pristine beech forests and the Homer Tunnel to view the majesty of Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls aboard a cruise on the Sound. Climb out of Milford Sound back to Te Anau, then turn north, following the dramatic southern shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown. An alternative option (at extra cost) is to travel by 4-wheel drive to the Mavora lakes, used as the location for Fangor Forest and the Dead Marshes. Continue alongside the remote and isolated Thompson Mountains to emerge at Walter Peak, join the historic steamer Earnslaw to travel across Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown.Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Day 14 & 15: In Queenstown
You have two days to enjoy this fabulous Alpine resort. We have included a half-day 4-wheel drive safari, which will take you to locations such as: Lothlorien, Isengard, Ithilien Camp Amon Hen. Another half day tour is available (at extra cost) which includes: Ford of Bruinen, Misty Mountains, Pillars of the Kings, Road to Mordor. We have also included the Skyline Gondola and the Kiwi Magic movie in your tour. There are dozens of optional activities, from thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris, and bungy jumping.

Day16: Queenstown - Mt Cook - Christchurch
Travel north through the Lindis Pass to the MacKenzie Country. Here you will see the spectacular country used to portray the Pelennor Fields, Misty Mountains, and the foothills of the White Mountains. Continue to Mt Cook where you can enjoy an optional lunch at the Hermitage or perhaps a ski plane. Continue north through Burkes Pass, Fairlie and Geraldine to Christchurch where your tour ends at 6.15pm.